Chevron takes aim at Sacramento with new signs blaming state policies for high gas prices
FRESNO, Calif. — Drivers across California, including here in the Central Valley, may be noticing new signs posted at some Chevron gas stations pointing the finger at Sacramento for high gas prices.
The signs carry messages like: “Sacramento policies did this. Now, you pay more.”
Others saying, “California has the highest gas taxes and fees in America.”
The signs also include a QR code customers can scan for more information.
Chevron says the campaign is meant to explain why Californians are paying some of the highest gas prices in the country.
“Sacramento picks the pocket of our consumers in the state,” said Chevron spokesperson Ross Allen.
Allen says the company rolled out the signs to educate customers about what is driving up the cost of gasoline, specifically pointing to California taxes, fees, and regulations.
“What we’d like to see from lawmakers is a real focus on reducing the cost of taxes and fees and regulation on the consumer,” Allen said.
According to Allen, a major factor behind California gas prices is the state’s gasoline excise tax.
“They have a 61-cent excise tax on every gallon of gasoline. That’s the highest in the nation,” Allen said.
Allen also pointed to environmental programs like California’s cap-and-trade system and Low Carbon Fuel Standard, which he says increase costs for refiners and consumers.
Chevron takes aim at Sacramento with new signs blaming state policies for high gas prices. (Photo: FOX26)
He argues California’s approach to the oil industry has reduced refining capacity in the state and increased reliance on imported fuel.
“What we are asking is that the politicians in Sacramento understand that they need to protect the capacity that still remains, because that’s the only thing standing between the state and higher gas prices still,” Allen said.
On Thursday, Governor Gavin Newsom’s Press Office posted on X , encouraging Californians to boycott Chevron ahead of the Memorial Day holiday weekend.
The post claimed unbranded gasoline comes from the same refineries and meets the same state standards as branded fuel. It also accused major oil companies of profiting during global conflict tied to tensions involving Iran.
Chevron pushed back on criticism over its pricing, saying its branded gasoline contains fuel additives designed to improve engine performance.
“We just relaunched our Techron fuel additive, which is proven to add engine longevity versus other additives,” Allen said. “You’re comparing apples with oranges in many ways.”
Meanwhile, at a recent California Assembly oversight hearing, petroleum market officials said statewide pricing data shows Chevron averages the highest gas prices in California.
A consumer advocacy group Consumer Watchdog spokesperson also questioned the price differences between Chevron and other retailers.
“Not normal for branded refiners like Chevron to be charging almost a dollar extra at their gas stations for the same gas sold at Costco for a dollar less,” she said.
